Tag: Yelapa

The first time I took a water taxi to Yelapa I had imagined that it would be similar to taking a Ferry. I was mistaken! A water taxi actually resembles more of a fishing boat with extra seating than anything. It is much smaller than a Ferry! The water taxis are manned by two pros Who have mastered the art of getting you safely from the beaches of Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa beach with ease.

Water Taxi Ride Through Los Arcos

After all of the passengers are on board the water taxi takes off and as you get further away. From the shore you get a breathtaking view of Puerto Vallarta from the water.

If your lucky your Captain might take you on a bit of a tour along the way stopping at Los Arcos for all to get a close up and personal view.

If you come upon dolphins, whales or sea turtles on your trip to Yelapa, nine times out of ten the Captain will slow or stop the boat for all the passengers to marvel and take pictures of the sea life in their natural habitat. So sit back and enjoy the ride!

Water Taxi's at Yelapa Beach

Water Taxi Tips

– Pack your electronics in an airtight zip lock bag. Better to be safe than sorry!

– The further you sit towards the back of boat the less bumpy the ride

– Bring something to cover up with, zipping through the ocean can get chilly.

– The ocean is always calmer in the morning, so taking an earlier water taxi can be more enjoyable for those who might be nervous.

Just as we were heading back to the pier for a return water taxi, a local pie lady asked us if we wanted pie. We followed her to a modern bayfront kitchen…

We delayed going to Yelapa due to rare winds and heavy seas on Thursday, but the next morning we had a wonderful trip on calm waters. I bought tickets at one of the Yelapa water taxi booths at Los Muertos pier. Cost is 250 pesos (about $20) roundtrip for each person.

I recommend the larger water taxi boats for a more comfortable ride across the bay. Jack Water Taxi boats are comfortable enough and they appear very competent.

Sometimes a wet spray hits my face as we skip across the waves. It’s about 40 minutes with plenty of interesting views along the way. I’m told that “in season”, whales and dolphins often appear.

Yelapa Cove is Clear Water with Lots of Wildlife

The water taxi offered to drop us at either pier or on the beach. We walked through a rustic Mexican village, then explored the large beach.

The cove is excellent with sparkling clean water filled with an abundance of wildlife. From end to end, the Yelapa cove varies from exceptional beaches to rocky areas and two piers. There’s a lagoon just a few feet behind the long beach with lots of birds.

Waterfall Cafe

During the off-season, many restaurants only open for dinner or are closed. The small cafe at the waterfall is quite worthwhile. My partner had a very tasty shrimp empanadas with her piña colada, while I had a strong rum & coke with nachos.

Pie Ladies

I happened to read about the Pie Ladies back in P.V., and when we arrived a wonderful impromptu guide, Donaldo, advised us to watch for the Pie Ladies. I wasn’t sure what all the fuss was about.

Just as we were heading back to the Yelapa pier for a return water taxi, a local pie lady, Agostina, asked us if we wanted pie. We followed her to a modern bayfront kitchen. While she bakes, Agonstina has one of the best views in Yelapa.

Looking over her wares, I bought an entire pie of seven pieces for 200 pesos: two lemon meringue, two coconut, one cheese, one pecan, and one chocolate. The cheese pie is extra yummy! Mmmm.

7 slices of heavenly pie from Yelapa

The coconut pie is chock full of sweet, local shredded coconut, the kind that’s healthy for you. The lemon pie was over the top lemony (which is a mystery since we can’t seem to find lemons in Mexico and limes are called limons) and it stood 6 to 8 inches tall with meringue.

Our overall favorite ends up being the cheese pie. I usually pass on cheese pie but Agostina’s is scrumptious. The chocolate pie has more of a delicious cocoa flavor, than chocolate.

The pecan pie did not last long enough for me to taste as my partner is particularly fond of pecan pie. She told me it was exceptionally full of fresh pecans. I’ll have to take her word for it until my next visit to Yelapa.

Walk the Malecon “boardwalk” from Old Town at Los Muertos (Pier of the Dead, Beach of the Dead) along the bay through El Centro. Along the way, you will find statuary, shopping, panoramas, and shows. Another “malecon” worth a visit winds through the Marina. Each of these boardwalks offers some of the best people watching in the world, especially on Sunday afternoons.

Enjoy fine dining at any of the many world class restaurants of Puerto Vallarta. Also, there are some very worthy street stands to try. When you are in Old Town be sure to dine at La Palapa, Archie’s Wok, Pancho’s Takos, or Fajita Republic.

Eventually everybody goes to the southernmost cove of Banderas Bay where lies nestled the peaceful village of Yelapa.

Yelapa’s tranquillity is ideal for that entirely laid-back vacation. The beach is covered in a blanket of light golden sand, and it is a superb place to swim, snorkel, or parasail. If you want to relax, you can just sit in one of the numerous beach chairs, soak up the sun, and enjoy a cold drink.

There are no vehicles in Yelapa and no roads to Yelapa but it is easily accessible by boat.

In Old Town, where Rodriguez street meets the beach, there’s a booth selling water taxi tickets to Yelapa. Current price is about US$22 per person round trip.

Once you arrive in Yelapa, have your picture taken with a colorful iguana, or enjoy a beachside meal. Afterwards, stroll along the beach and try a piece of pie, made fresh daily, and sold on the beach by one of the “pie ladies”. One taste, and you will see why Yelapa has become renowned for its pies.

Like to drink? You might want to try the local moonshine called “Raicilla”.

You can take a 20-30 minute walk, or horseback ride into the village. Horse rentals are located behind “Fanny’s Restaurant” on the beach. Wander through the village, which has, schools, houses, and lots of friendly locals.

Eventually you will arrive at the breathtaking 150-foot waterfall.

As you near the nearby waterfall you will pass near “Javier’s Rosewood Artisans” where locally grown rosewood wares are displayed.

The “Cascada y Bosque Restaurant” is at the waterfall base if you desire a snack , soda , or cold beer. The village also has several other great restaurants, which are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

(By the way, we avoid Chico’s. It’s been recently purchased by a couple of disreputable time-share creeps so watch your wallet.)

A whistle from the taxi boat signals that it is time to go back to Puerto Vallarta. Don’t miss the boat, as they do sometimes leave earlier than the scheduled departure time.

There are those who find that the day trip is not quite enough, and choose to stay overnight.

Accommodations are abundant, and prices vary to suit any budget. There are 3 hotels, many houses, or rooms for rent, by the day, week, or month.

Yelapa has limited electricity, so bring a flashlight. If you forget, you can always buy one in the village.

If your timing is right, don’t miss one of the full moon bonfires, which are usually attended by quite a few of the locals.

If you still find the need to explore, you can arrange a day trip to the Marietas Islands (a bird sanctuary), a boat excursion to one of the many secluded beaches, a deep sea fishing trip, or a horseback tour (guided or non-guided) to spectacular waterfalls, and swimming holes up the river.

On Sundays, watch the community football (don’t call it soccer) team compete against one of the local villages, or even participate in a softball game, or croquet match.